Residential Counselor

Hudson River Housing Inc•City of Poughkeepsie, NY

22d•Onsite

About The Position

The Residential Counselor at River Haven actively supervises residents, visitors, guests, and the assigned site to support safety and compliance with program rules and individual case plans. The role provides services including resident intakes, customer service, administrative support, minor housekeeping, advocacy, and crisis intervention for individuals and families being housed at the site. The counselor screens youth for housing, conducts risk assessments and brief intakes, develops initial case plans, and provides positive youth development opportunities. The position also supports case managers, handles emergency and planned discharges, prepares and supervises meals, maintains a clean and safe building, keeps confidential client records, assists with transportation and visitor logs, and provides emergency on-call coverage. Work is based in Poughkeepsie, New York, with multiple shifts available, including part-time and full-time shifts, days, evenings, overnights, and weekends.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Demonstrated interest and capacity to work effectively with runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth and their families.
Basic reading, writing, and computer skills, and effective communication skills.
Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to prioritize daily challenges.
Flexibility and an open-minded approach to unexpected situations.
Compassion, sensitivity to special needs and diverse populations, and a responsible, non-judgmental approach.
Ability to think constructively and work independently as well as part of a team.
Strong commitment to personal and professional ethics and standards, and ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality with program participants.
Required human service experience, including interpersonal skills and sensitivity to homeless, mentally ill, low-income, and other special-needs populations.
General administrative experience.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize daily challenges.
Valid NYS driver’s license required.
Home and/or cellular telephone required.
Ability to climb stairs.

Nice To Haves

A valid driver’s license is described as a plus, although a valid NYS driver’s license is also listed as required.

Responsibilities

Actively supervise River Haven residents to support their safety and compliance with program rules and individual case plans.
Handle incoming phone calls and service requests, provide crisis intervention, and refer potential clients to Case Managers when immediate intervention is not necessary.
Screen youth for housing, conduct risk assessments and brief intakes, and develop initial case plans.
Plan and facilitate group meetings and enrichment activities that support positive youth development.
Carry out tasks requested by Case Managers in accordance with clients’ case plans.
Follow procedures for emergency and planned resident discharges occurring during the shift.
Prepare meals according to the program menu and supervise mealtimes in a way that fosters mutual respect and support.
Help keep the building clean and safe by supervising chore time, completing shift-change checklist tasks, performing other assigned tasks, and reporting problems to agency staff.
Maintain and regularly review confidential client records and share important information with program staff.
Attend and participate in required trainings and meetings, and complete enough optional training to meet annual training requirements.
As assigned, participate in data collection and compilation, procurement of food and supplies, meal planning, community presentations, street outreach, and other activities.
Transport clients directly or arrange transportation in accordance with procedures.
Accurately maintain visitor sign-in and sign-out records.
Assist in the kitchen and with breakfast as needed.
Provide emergency on-call coverage.
Perform other duties as assigned.